January 29, 2023 -- Acts 10:34-43 -- The Acts of the Apostles: Peter experiences the truth of Jesus' words

People loved by the Father, in the Spirit's power: Sh'ma ~ hear and obey Jesus!

34 So Peter opened his mouth and said: “Truly I understand that God shows no partiality, 35 but in every nation anyone who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him. 36 As for the word that he sent to Israel, preaching good news of peace through Jesus Christ (he is Lord of all), 37 you yourselves know what happened throughout all Judea, beginning from Galilee after the baptism that John proclaimed: 38 how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power. He went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him. 39 And we are witnesses of all that he did both in the country of the Jews and in Jerusalem. They put him to death by hanging him on a tree, 40 but God raised him on the third day and made him to appear, 41 not to all the people but to us who had been chosen by God as witnesses, who ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead. 42 And he commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that he is the one appointed by God to be judge of the living and the dead. 43 To him all the prophets bear witness that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name.”
Acts 10:34-43 ESV

Look at verse 34, read it again. I’ll wait. Peter and the disciples had been told they’d receive power when the Spirit fell on them and they’d be Jesus’ witnesses in Jerusalem. Judea, Samaria and to the ends of the earth (Acts 1:8). It seems as if Peter is surprised and filled with wonder that these words of Jesus are actually coming true in his own ministry. He is preaching outside of the Jewish community and when he sees how others believe, his soul soars in thankfulness to God

Now look at the content of his sermon to Cornelius, his household and his friends who’d gathered to hear Peter. The sermon is all about Jesus. All our hope is anchored on Him. Make sure the church you attend (or the one you are choosing now and considering attending) focuses all on Jesus! In Him and because of Him all of Scripture makes sense. The Bible is not about making you feel better (though in Jesus Christ you will); nor is it seven steps to happiness (because in Christ you are called to suffering for His Name’s sake). Rather, the Good News of Scripture is that the Father in His great love sent Jesus in Whom and through Whom believers receive grace upon grace so that we are called sons and daughters of God, and the Spirit brings believers into fellowship with God and with other believers so that as we lift Jesus Christ high in our worship, prayers and Bible reading, and living, many others will begin to believe in Him. God shows no favoritism or partiality, all who believe in Him will be saved. Now that is Good News indeed.

Father in heaven, hallowed and blessed be Your Name. Thank You Jesus and the grace upon overflowing grace believers received in His Name! Faithful Father, thank You for the Spirit through Whom believers have access to this throne of God and understand Your great love. Triune God, thank You that Your saving work is being made known to the ends of the earth. Bless missionaries and teachers, preachers and evangelists who speak the Name of Jesus. Build Your Church, Jesus! Let the powerful work of the Spirit destroy strongholds of sin and shine the Light of Christ into the dens of iniquitousness which still lurk in our hearts so that our hearts are wholly Christ’s and others, far and near, will be drawn to Jesus, captivated by Him, and all together join in heart-felt, life-altering, obedience to You, the Triune God. Amen.

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